Happiness is defined as "a mental or emotional state of well being defined by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy." For me, happiness is flying high in the evergreens, swimming in endless tears of joy, or watching the sun, burning it's way out of darkness. Happiness is a fairytale. . . and of all the places I dream of going, getting to happy is THEE destination.
However, such things so free as happiness comes at a cost. Sacrifice: "an act of giving up something valued for the sake of something else regarded as more important or worthy."
Acceptance: "a person's assent to the reality of a situation, recognizing a process or condition without attempting to change it.
There are three things I've learned about happiness: 1. Everyone is not going to be happy.2. Everyone is not going to want you to be happy.3. YOU cannot make everyone happy.
The first time I realized this, I was hurt. The second time I realized this, I realized that I don't have to be. YOU define your own happiness. If you condition your happiness to someone else, you are forever tied to that someone and everything they feel, you will feel. Their problems will become your problems.
Sacrifice is hard and acceptance is even harder. Giving up a comfort for something you never felt before or giving up what you've known for the unknown. But all comfort ain't healthy. And the unknown isn't always scary. Happiness it the ultimate matter and when people tell you to do what makes you happy, they forget to mention to do *whatever it takes* to be happy.
Happy is a place. Which route will you take to get there?